The First Year Experience
Wisconsin Welcome
A weeklong event beginning Sunday, August 29, and continuing through the first weekend of the semester, Welcome Week is the perfect way for your student to become familiar with campus traditions, meet new people, and rekindle friendships made during SOAR. Designed for both new students and returning students, it offers a chance to get lingering questions answered, learn about academics, find one’s way around campus, learn about Wisconsin history and culture, and discover all the campus has to offer. Your student can attend the Chancellor’s Convocation on September 1, academic orientations, a Student Resource Fair, a New Student Night at the Overture Center featuring local and national performing acts, an introduction to the UW’s Fifth Quarter, and a traditional tailgate, among hundreds of other events. Students can visit www.newstudent.wisc.edu/wiwelcome, to create a personalized calendar of activities.
Parents’ Weekend: November 12–14
First-Year Parents’ Weekend (FPW), hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and scheduled for November 12–14, is an opportunity for parents to come to campus and participate in activities that are part of the student experience. Parents are encouraged to develop their connections to the university by exploring the campus; asking questions; learning about opportunities; connecting with other parents, staff, and faculty; and attending a Wisconsin football game against Indiana.
For online registration and more information, visit www.uwalumni.com/fpw. The FPW package includes special lectures by UW faculty, a Q&A session with Chancellor Biddy Martin, a Badger Huddle tailgate ticket, and a football ticket.
After the FPW sessions on Friday, November 12, join the Parent Program for a complimentary parent reception at the Red Gym.
For a complete listing of accommodations, visit www.visitmadison.com.
Web chat for parents of new students
If you are the parent of a new student, you’ll want to mark Tuesday, August 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., on your calendar. The Parent Program will be hosting a special Web chat to help answer questions about your student’s initial transition to campus life. If you need a refresher after completing your sessions at SOAR — or other questions have come to mind — this lunch hour chat is for you. Topics will include housing move-in, homesickness, academics, health and safety, and financial aid. To sign in, visit www.parent.wisc.edu.
August 27–28: It’s time to move in
Campus will be buzzing with activity on Friday, August 27, and Saturday, August 28, when thousands of UW–Madison students will be moving into the residence halls.
Although the process may seem overwhelming, the University Housing staff does everything it can to make the transition as smooth as possible. Residents are scheduled to arrive during a two-day period, divided by floors within the same hall. “Badger Buddies” will be on hand to help students move belongings and set up lofts.
During the second week of August, an e-mail will be sent to your student’s WiscMail account. It will include information on where to check in, the unloading process, parking, and where to ship belongings.
Students who have been hired for campus jobs can move into residence halls on Wednesday, August 25.
Here are a few tips and resources to ease the move-in process:
- Make sure funds have been deposited to your student’s Wiscard account. To make an online deposit, visit www.wiscard.wisc.edu.
- Consider investing in a renter’s insurance policy to protect your student’s belongings.
- Although residence hall rooms have lockable desk drawers, remember to bring your own lock.
- If you need any assistance moving your student into the residence hall or a place for storage, contact Lazybones at 608-222-4475 for information.